# Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek > The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a 17-day trek that adds one of the world's highest lakes to Nepal's most famous long-distance route. Walk up the Marsyangdi valley to Manang, detour to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), a vast turquoise lake beneath the ice walls of Tilicho Peak, then cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath and descend the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom.The Tilicho side trip gives you extra acclimatisation for the Thorong La and some of the wildest scenery on the circuit. The trek is graded challenging and is best from March–May and September–November. Transport, the ACAP permit, guide, porters, hotels, lodges and meals on the trek are included, with a flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 17 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 5,416 m / 17,769 ft (Thorong La Pass) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$1,390 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-circuit-tilicho-lake-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=annapurna-circuit-tilicho-lake-trek ## Overview **Quick answer:** the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake takes about 17 days from Kathmandu, reaches 5,416 m at the Thorong La Pass and 4,919 m at Tilicho Lake, and costs from US$1,390 per person with a guide. It is best in spring and autumn and is challenging but non-technical. Tilicho Lake is often described as the highest lake in the world for its size, lying at about 4,919 m below the north face of the Annapurna massif. The trail from Manang crosses a steep, landslide-scarred slope above the Khangsar Khola to Tilicho Base Camp, and from there a hard climb leads to the lake shore. Afterwards you rejoin the circuit at Yak Kharka and cross the Thorong La. ### Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration17 days from KathmanduMaximum altitudeThorong La Pass, 5,416 mTilicho LakeAbout 4,919 mGradeChallengingStart and finishDrive to Chame; flight or drive Jomsom – PokharaPermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeMarch–May and September–NovemberCostFrom US$1,390 per person### Highlights - **Tilicho Lake**, a turquoise lake at 4,919 m. - **Thorong La (5,416 m)**, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. - **Manang** and the Tibetan-style villages of Upper Pisang and Ghyaru. - **Muktinath**, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. - **Kali Gandaki gorge**, the deepest in the world, and Marpha village. ### How difficult is it? The trek is **challenging**. The Tilicho trail crosses an exposed landslide area that requires care, and the Thorong La day is long (8–10 hours) with a steep descent. Good fitness and previous hiking experience are recommended; no technical skills are needed. ### Is Tilicho Lake worth it? Yes. It adds three days, but you acclimatise better for the pass and see one of the highest lakes in the world. In winter, the trail and lake can be snowbound. ### Road and trail Roads now reach Manang, so we drive to Chame and use trails away from the road wherever possible, such as the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal, the most scenic section of the circuit. ## Highlights - Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest lakes in the world - Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) crossing - Upper Pisang, Ghyaru and Ngawal high route to Manang - Muktinath temple and the Kali Gandaki gorge - Apple orchards of Marpha and flight or drive to Pokhara ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Chame (2,670 m) A long drive via Besisahar up the Marsyangdi valley by jeep. _Altitude: 2,670 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 3: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,310 m) Through pine forest past the curved rock face of Paungda Danda. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,310 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Ngawal (3,660 m) via Ghyaru The high route with superb views of Annapurna II, III and IV. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,660 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Manang (3,540 m) Via Braga monastery to Manang. _Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 3,540 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 6: Acclimatisation day in Manang Hike to Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or the Ice Lake (4,600 m). _Walking: 4–6 hours · Altitude: 4,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Shree Kharka (4,060 m) Via Khangsar, the last village towards Tilicho. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,060 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 8: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m) Cross the exposed landslide slopes to base camp. _Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 4,150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 9: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), return to Shree Kharka Early climb to the lake shore, then descend to Shree Kharka. _Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 4,919 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 16 km_ ### Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050 m) Traverse via Old Khangsar to rejoin the circuit. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 4,050 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 13 km_ ### Day 11: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) A short day for acclimatisation before the pass. _Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 4,450 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 12: Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,800 m) Pre-dawn start for the long climb to the pass, then a steep descent to Muktinath. _Walking: 8–10 hours · Altitude: 5,416 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 13: Visit Muktinath, trek to Kagbeni and drive to Marpha (2,670 m) Visit the temple, walk to medieval Kagbeni and drive to Marpha. _Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 3,800 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 14: Drive to Jomsom (2,720 m) Short drive and afternoon exploring Jomsom or Thini village. _Altitude: 2,720 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (820 m) Morning flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Pokhara. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu Drive or fly back to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast - Jeep Kathmandu – Chame and Muktinath – Jomsom - Flight Jomsom – Pokhara and bus Pokhara – Kathmandu - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (13 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days in a row on hilly, uneven trails. Start training two to three months before the trek with long hill walks, stair climbing and cardiovascular exercise, and break in your boots before you travel. ### Altitude sickness The highest point is 5,416 m on the Thorong La and 4,919 m at Tilicho Lake. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you. ### Weather and temperatures The upper Manang valley and Tilicho area are dry but very cold at night. Snow can close the Tilicho trail and the Thorong La from December to March. ### Domestic flights and baggage Jomsom flights leave early because afternoon winds are strong. Baggage limit is about 15 kg; if flights are cancelled, we drive to Pokhara. ### Permits The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing. ### Drinking water Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles. ### Travel insurance You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,500 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive. ### Visa You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes for Tilicho and Thorong La ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How high is Tilicho Lake? Tilicho Lake lies at about **4,919 m (16,138 ft)**, making it one of the highest lakes of its size in the world. ### Is Tilicho Lake the highest lake in the world? It is often called the highest lake in the world for its size, although smaller lakes exist at higher altitudes. ### How long is the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake? About **17 days** from Kathmandu. ### How difficult is the Tilicho Lake trek? **Challenging**: exposed landslide trails, altitude near 5,000 m and a long Thorong La day. ### How much does the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho cost? From **US$1,390 per person**, including transport, the Jomsom flight, ACAP permit, guide, porters and meals on the trek. ### When is the best time to visit Tilicho Lake? **March–May** and **September–November**. The lake is frozen in winter. ### Can I cross from Tilicho Lake directly to Jomsom? A high route via the Mesokanto Pass exists, but it requires camping and is only for experienced trekkers. ### Is Tilicho Lake dangerous? The landslide section needs care and should be avoided in bad weather; with a guide and in season it is safe. ### Do I need a permit? Yes, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), included. ### Do I need a guide? Nepal requires foreign trekkers to walk with a licensed guide in most trekking areas, and it is included. ### Is there a road on the Annapurna Circuit? Yes, to Manang and Muktinath, but trails such as the upper route and Tilicho avoid the road. ### How cold is Tilicho Lake? Nights at Tilicho Base Camp drop to −10°C to −15°C in autumn.